Methods and Apparatus for Preparing Comestibles

ABSTRACT

Provided are improved methods and apparatus for preparing comestibles in conventional, non-steam generating ovens. Embodiments of the disclosure provide a container for use in non-steam generating ovens comprising an interior space oriented along, and accessible from, the longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container. This and other features of the disclosed embodiments confer improved ease of use and safety when accessing the interior space of the container for loading or unloading the comestibles therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/129,354 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for PreparingComestibles” and filed Mar. 6, 2015, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety.

USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY

Throughout this application, and unless otherwise specified (or unlessthe particular context clearly dictates otherwise), any usage or usagesof “a” or “an” are meant to be read as “at least one,” any usage orusages of “the” are meant to be read as “the at least one.”

It is noted that terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically”are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention orto imply that certain features are critical, essential, or evenimportant to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather,these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additionalfeatures that can or cannot be utilized in a particular embodiment ofthis invention.

For the purposes of describing and defining this invention it is notedthat the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent theinherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to anyquantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degreeby which a quantitative representation can vary from a stated referencewithout resulting in a change in the basic function of the subjectmatter at issue.

The term “container,” as used herein, is meant to encompass an apparatusfor baking or cooking comestibles, and the terms “container,”“apparatus,” or “baking apparatus” are used interchangeably. The term“comestible” is meant to encompass dough, bread, and/or any othercommonly edible substance(s).

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to methods and apparatus forbaking in conventional, non-industrial, non steam-generating ovens.

2. Description of Related Art

Present baking methods in non steam-generating ovens employ a separatecontainer to regulate temperature and gas during the baking process.Known methods involve loading dough into a super-heated container beforebaking, and employ a lid to regulate temperature and gas conditionswithin interior space of the container. However, present methods andapparatus require the user to load, manipulate, and unload baked goodsand dough from above, through the top of the container. Thus, presentmethods require that a user remove the container from the oven forloading and unloading of the contents prior to, during, and after bakingis complete, and present difficult and dangerous conditions involving asuper-heated container and gases during loading, manipulation, cooking,and unloading. Furthermore, present methods and apparatus exhibitsuboptimal retention of heat and gases during baking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this backdrop, embodiments of the present disclosure address oneor more of the above-identified drawbacks, among others, of the priorart, and provide several benefits over existing methods and products.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved apparatus forcooking or baking in conventional, non-steam generating ovens. Providedare embodiments comprising a container that, when super-heated within aconventional oven, confer improved conditions for preparing comestibles,including baked goods. In embodiments, the container of the presentdisclosure defines an interior space oriented along the longitudinal,horizontal axis of said container, and conferring improved bakingconditions. In certain embodiments, containers of the present disclosureprovide an improved means of accessing the interior space for loading orunloading the comestibles therein.

In embodiments, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising:

-   -   a container defining an interior space oriented along a        longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container;        -   said container further comprising a first face at a proximal            end of the container and a second face at a distal end of            the container,        -   wherein the first and second faces are substantially            parallel to one another and define the limits of the            container and internal space,        -   wherein the first and second faces are substantially            perpendicular to the longitudinal, horizontal axis of the            container,        -   and wherein at least the first face is open to the interior            space of the container;    -   at least one lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of        the container, thereby closing the interior space of the        container to an exterior environment.

In embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure is used forpreparing comestibles in conventional, non-steam generating ovens.

In embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure comprises abottom surface of the container that is substantially flat to provide astable platform for the container while in use.

In embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure comprises adistal face closed to the external environment.

In embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure comprises aplurality of parts.

In embodiments, the apparatus is comprised of a plurality of partsincludes a base element and a cover element.

In embodiments, the apparatus is comprised of a base element and a coverelement that are mechanically fastened to one another when in use.

In embodiments, the apparatus is comprised of a lid capable of engagingwith the proximal face of the container, which lid further comprises arib extending from the face of the lid and generally disposed on a planedefined as perpendicular to the lid, and wherein the rib includes ahorizontal component and a vertical component.

In embodiments, the apparatus is comprised of a flange element on aninterior surface of the container that contacts the lid when the lid isengaged with the container.

In embodiments, the apparatus is comprised of a lid capable of engagingwith the proximal face of the container where said lid is coupled to thecontainer by a hinge element.

In embodiments, the disclosure provides an apparatus comprised of acontainer element defining an internal space oriented along thelongitudinal axis of the container. Embodiments of the container furthercomprise faces on either end that define the proximal and distal ends ofthe internal space. The proximal face of the container element furthercomprises an opening allowing in-use access to the internal space of thecontainer. The distal face, opposite the proximal, open face, isenclosed to define the distal limit of the internal space. By way ofthis positioning, the opening at the proximal face offers improvedaccess to the internal space of the container and improved safety ofuse.

In some embodiments, the container of the present disclosure iscomprised of a single, continuous element that defines the internalspace, wherein the open proximal face provides the only access to theinternal space. In alternative embodiments, the container of the presentdisclosure is comprised of one or more parts that are combined to formthe container defining the interior space. In some embodiments, thecontainer comprising one or more parts includes a base element and acover element, wherein the base element and cover element are reversiblycombined. Thus, in certain embodiments the base element and coverelement can be separately placed in or removed from an oven for ease andsafety of use.

In addition, embodiments of the disclosure provide an optionallyremovable lid closure. The lid is used to define the state of thecontainer as either opened or closed during baking. In embodiments, thelid facilitates an easy means of capturing or releasing steam or gasespresent within the internal space when said lid is engaged or removedrespectively. Said gases are optionally introduced separately, or arereleased from the comestibles present within the internal space of thecontainer. Similarly, the lid is removable to allow loading andunloading of dough or baked goods from the interior space defined by thecontainer. A feature of the present embodiments is that the removablelid is accessible when the container is in use in a heated oven, and thelid can be engaged with, or removed from, the container without removingthe super-heated container from the oven.

Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used inconjunction with a peel, paddle, or tray which the user may manipulateto adjust, load and unload the comestibles into and from the interiorspace of the container.

In some embodiments, the positioning and arrangement of the lidfacilitates ease of access to the interior space of the containerwithout removing the container from the oven. Accordingly, embodimentsof the present disclosure provide improved safety during the preparationof comestibles in super-heated containers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are useful for preparingcomestibles, such as bread. Accordingly, embodiments are useful, forexample, in methods of baking bread from dough. In a non-limitingexample, embodiments of the present disclosure are used in the followingmethod:

The container of the present disclosure is placed into a conventional,non-industrial, non steam-generating oven with the proximal, open end ofthe container oriented toward front of the oven for ease of access. Thelid is engaged, thereby closing the container during heating. The oven,and container within, are heated to between about 300-550 degreesFahrenheit, preferably to about 400-550 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the oven and container within are at the desired temperature thelid is removed from the container to allow access to the interior space,and a comestible, such as uncooked bread dough, is placed within theinterior space of the container. The lid is re-engaged onto thecontainer to regulate heat and gases. The features of the presentdisclosure thereby enable loading of the comestible into thesuper-heated container without unduly exposing the user to the hazardousconditions within the conventional oven, and without the risk associatedwith handling the super heated container.

The dough is heated in the container, and moisture released from thedough is retained within the interior space, creating desirableconditions during the baking process. The conditions within thesuper-heater container of the present embodiments are thereby improvedrelative to those present in the conventional, non-steam generatingoven.

During baking, the lid of the container may be disengaged to releasegases from the interior space. Baking continues either with thecontainer open or closed until the baked good has reached the desiredtemperature and, in the case of some breads, until the crust has brownedsufficiently. Embodiments of the present disclosure thereby facilitateregulating the cooking environment within the super-heated apparatusduring baking, and simultaneously avoid undue exposure to the hazards ofhandling the super-heated container or the hazardous conditions presentwithin the oven itself.

At the completion of cooking, the comestible is extracted through theproximal, open end of the container. The container is optionally left inthe oven for further baking or to cool.

It should be understood that the brief description is provided by way ofillustration and not by way of limitation, and that various embodimentsof the present baking apparatus may have none, some, or all of theabove-described features and benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description can be best understood when read inconjunction with the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the container in an open state and in use.The container of the presented embodiment 100 is comprised of a base 102and a cover 104 where the cover rests on top of the base when in use ina conventional oven. The embodiment 100 includes a lid 106 that isdisengaged from the base and cover, and thus the container in theillustrated embodiment is in the open state. In the illustratedembodiment 100, the cover 104 is open at the proximal end and closed atthe distal end.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment 200 of a container in a closed state. Thecontainer is comprised of a cover 104 resting on a base 102. In theillustrated embodiment 200 the lid 106 is engaged with the container inthe closed position, thus closing the interior space of the container.In the closed state the container and the lid limit gas exchange betweenthe interior space of the container and the oven environment.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an embodiment 300 of the apparatusshowing the lid 106, and the container comprising a base 102 and a cover104. In the illustrated embodiment 300, the base 102 is formed with aridge 302 extending from the surface of the base on the distal end, andon both sides. The base 102 in the presented embodiment also includes atongue 304 extending beyond the ridge on the proximal end of the base toprovide a platform for the lid when engaged with the container. In theillustrated embodiment 300, the cover 104 further comprises a lip 306extending out from the wall of the container on the distal end and bothsides. The cover in the presented embodiment 300 also comprises a flange308 positioned on the interior side of the cover sized to pair with thelid 106 when the lid is engaged with the container. The lid 106 of theillustrated embodiment further comprises a rib 310 extendingperpendicularly from the face of the lid. The rib includes horizontaland vertical components. The horizontal component provides stability forthe lid and pairs with the tongue of the base when in use. The verticalcomponent provides a handle facilitating placement and removal of thelid when in use.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment 400 comprising a container 402 and a lid 404.The container 402 of the illustrated embodiment is formed as a singleunit with an open proximal face and closed distal face. The lid 404 ofthe illustrated embodiment comprises a recessed face 406 sized andshaped to be inserted into the proximal, open face of the container 402.The recessed face is connected to a shoulder 408 that engages theinterior surfaces of the proximal face of the container when the lid isengaged. In embodiments, such as the illustrative embodiment 400, thelid 404 is further comprised of a flange 410 connected to the shoulder408 in order to secure the lid to the proximal face of the container.The lid of the illustrated embodiment 400 further includes a strut 412providing structural support for the recessed face and shoulder, anduseful as a handle for placing and removing the lid during operation.

FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment 500 of a container comprising a base502 and a cover 504. The base includes a ridge 506 that serves as anindexing feature to align the cover and the base. The lid 508 and thebase are coupled via a pinned, hinged joint 510.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment 600 with linear styling applied to thecontainer comprised of base 602, cover 604, and lid 606.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein arehereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved apparatus forcooking or baking in conventional, non-steam generating ovens. Providedare embodiments comprising a container that, when super-heated within aconventional oven, confer improved conditions for preparing comestibles,including baked goods. In embodiments, the container of the presentdisclosure defines an interior space conferring improved bakingconditions. In some embodiments, containers of the present disclosureprovide an improved means of accessing the interior space for loading orunloading the comestibles therein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure consist of a container useful forpreparing comestibles in conventional, non-steam generating ovens. Insome embodiments, the container defines an interior space oriented alongthe longitudinal axis of the container. The container is comprised of aproximal face that is optionally open or closed to allow access into theinterior space or to regulate the conditions within the container. Inembodiments, the distal end of the container is closed to define theterminus of the interior space.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustrated embodiment of the disclosureprovides a container comprised of separate base 102 and cover 104elements. Accordingly, in some embodiments the container of the presentdisclosure is comprised of multiple separate parts that are combinedwhen in use. In alternative embodiments, the container is comprised of asingle part that includes an open proximal end and closed distal end,with a top, bottom, and sides that define the interior space of thecontainer. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment presented as FIG. 4, thecontainer 402 is comprised of a single part.

In embodiments where the container is comprised of a cover and a base,the cover and base may be identical in form and size, so as to pairtogether into a symmetrical container. In other embodiments, the coverand base are of different sizes, forms, and proportions. In yet furtherembodiments, the container will consist of more than two parts, such asthree or more parts.

In some embodiments, the container of the present disclosure iscomprised of multiple parts that are mechanically fastened together.Thus, in some embodiments the multiple parts comprising the containermay be permanently fastened together. In other embodiments, the multipleparts of the container are reversibly attached. Those skilled in the artwill recognize different methods of permanent and reversible attachment,such as, without limitation, by welding, riveting, tongue-in-groovejoint, clasps, pins, bolts, or magnetic fastening. In other embodiments,the parts of the container are coupled by passive force without anyfurther attachment means.

In all embodiments in which the container is comprised of multipleparts, the parts are shaped to fit with one another in a secure andspecific way. For example, referring now to the illustrative embodimentof FIG. 3, the base 102 of the container includes a ridge 302 thatextends vertically above the plane of the base 102. The ridge 302extends on the distal end and both sides of the base. The cover 104 ofthe illustrative embodiment similarly includes a lip 306 extending fromthe cover at the distal end and both sides. Thus, when combined, theridge 302 of the base indexes, or pairs, with the lip on the cover 104,providing a secure and specific means of joining the base and cover ofthe container.

The specific pairing achieved also serves to confer improved conditionsfor preparing food within the interior space of the container. Forexample, the ridge and lip on the embodiment in FIG. 3 provide a secureand specific pairing between the base and the cover, but also increasethe surface area between the parts and thereby improve the retention ofheat and gases within the interior space.

Moreover, in the various embodiments disclosed herein, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that there may be multiple ways in which themultiple parts of the container can fit together for use, display,cleaning, storage, shipping, and storage.

In embodiments, the container of the present disclosure is comprised ofa proximal face that is open to the interior space of the container, anda distal face that is closed. In other embodiments, the containerpossesses more than one opening which can be manipulated for loading,adjusting, of unloading dough and baked goods, or for regulatingtemperature and gases within the container interior space. In otherembodiments the container is open at both the proximal and distal faces.

In some embodiments, the opening at one or both faces is contacted withone or more optionally removable closure elements, or lids. Inembodiment, the lid, or lids, is/are used to define the state of thecontainer as either opened or closed during baking. The lid facilitatescontrol of the internal environment of the container, for example toeither capture or release steam or gases present within the internalspace, whether introduced separately or released from the baking goods.In certain embodiments, the closure itself can contain multiple openingsused to regulate gases and temperature conditions within the container.

Accordingly, when in use embodiments of the present disclosure providemeans of regulating the internal environment of the container withoutremoving the container from the oven. Similarly, embodiments of thepresent disclosure provide means to load and unload dough or baked goodsfrom the container without removing the container from the oven.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the lid 106 of the illustrated embodiment 300further comprises a rib 310 with horizontal and vertical elementsextending perpendicularly from the face of the lid. In some embodiments,such as the illustrative embodiment 300, the horizontal component of therib 310 provides stability for the lid 106, and pairs with the tongue304 that extends from the base 102. In embodiments, the verticalcomponent of the rib 310 provides a handle facilitating placement andremoval of the lid when in use.

In embodiments, the container and lid are shaped and sized in order toform a specific and secure engagement between the container and lid whenthe lid in the closed position at the proximal face of the container(see e.g. the illustrative embodiment 200 of FIG. 2). Thus, inembodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment 300, the container furthercomprises an internal flange 308 that pairs with the lid 106 when in theengaged, closed position. In some embodiments, the lid is furthersecured by fastening the lid to the container when closed and in use,such as with clamps that engage the lid to the container in the closedposition. In still further embodiments, the seal between the two partsmay be improved in some instances with the use of a gasket or sealingmaterial.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, such as the illustrativeembodiment 400, the lid 404 comprises a recessed face 406 sized andshaped to be inserted into the proximal, open face of the container 402.The recessed face is connected to a shoulder 408 that engages theinterior surfaces of the proximal face of the container when the lid isengaged. In embodiments, such as the illustrative embodiment 400, thelid 404 is further comprised of a flange 410 connected to the shoulder408 in order to secure the lid to the proximal face of the container.The lid of the illustrated embodiment 400 further includes a strut 412providing structural support for the recessed face and shoulder, anduseful as a handle for placing and removing the lid during operation.

In some embodiments the lid includes a feature which registers placementin relation to the container. In some embodiments, the container iscomprised of multiple parts wherein the lid registers with either orboth, or all of the parts which comprise the container.

In some embodiments the lid of the present disclosure is coupled to thecontainer element. Thus, in embodiments a lid is coupled to the bottom,top, or one of the sides of the container.

In embodiments that include such coupling between the lid and thecontainer, said coupling may comprise a hinge joint. In a non-limitingexample, a hinge joint between the lid and container of the presentdisclosure comprises a pinned hinge. In other embodiments, the hingedjoint allows for uncoupling without the use of a pin, or need to removesaid pin from the hinge joint. In still further embodiments, the hingeis a separate part that is fastened to the lid or other couplingelement.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the illustrative embodiment 500 comprises a lid508 coupled to the base 502 of the container. The coupling of theillustrative embodiment is achieved using a pinned hinge 510.Accordingly, when in use the lid 508 of the illustrious embodiment 500is engaged or disengaged from the cover 504 of the container by rotatingthe lid on the hinge axis in order to open or close the interior spaceof the container.

In embodiments, the lid includes a handle that allows the user to engageor disengage the lid and the container during use. In some embodiments,the handle is permanently attached to the lid. In other embodiments, thehandle is reversibly attached to the lid. Thus, in certain embodiments,the handle remains attached to the lid during use, whereas in otherembodiments the handle is removable during use

Embodiment of the container and lid of the apparatus, or of the partscomprising the container and lid, are made from heat-tolerant materials.For instance, embodiments may contain earthenware, clayware, glass,glass composites, ceramics, ceramic hybrids, aramid fibers, cements,cement composites, alloys of grey iron, alloys of ductile iron, alloysof steel, alloys of aluminum, alloys of bronze, alloys of brass, alloysof copper, titanium alloys, zinc alloys, alloys of magnesium, tinalloys, nickel alloys, silicon, other synthetic rubbers, phenolicresins, natural stone, and any combination of said materials.

In certain embodiments, the container, lid, or parts which comprise thecontainer and lid, are made from a single material. For example, incertain embodiments the material from which the container and lid areconstructed is an alloy of iron.

In other embodiments, the container, lid, or parts comprising thecontainer and lid, are made from different materials. For example, someembodiments comprise a container and lid that are made of the samematerial, whereas the handle of the lid is comprised of a differentmaterial that is resistant to heat and thus confers improved safetyduring handling.

In embodiments, the container and lid of the apparatus, or partscomprising the container and lid, are made via casting processes andassociated finishing processes. In other embodiments, the container andlid components of the apparatus, or parts comprising container and lid,are made using processes involving forming, stamping, green sandcasting, airset mold casting, investment casting, injection molding,resin casting, molding, pressing, machining, forging, welding, andadditive manufacturing such as fuse deposition or laser metal sintering.

In embodiments, the container and lid of the apparatus, or partscomprising container and lid, may be finished to provide performancebenefit, aesthetic enhancement, protection of materials, or improvedtactility.

Finishing, as used herein, is defined as machining, flattening,polishing, grinding, deburring, wire wheeling, filing, tumbling,passivation, abrasive blasting, sanding, as well as coating, sealing,spraying, heat treating, baking, glazing, enameling, painting, dipping,or the addition of gaskets, seals, sealing materials, decals, embossing,engraving, etching, pads, or bumpers.

In some embodiments, the container and lid components of the apparatus,or parts comprising container and lid, are not finished. In yet otherembodiments, portions or parts of either the container or lid componentsof the apparatus or parts comprising container and lid are both finishedand unfinished.

Although this document includes description of certain exampleembodiments, variations (i.e., changes, substitutions, alterations, andthe like) of the herein-described embodiments will be apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, where such variations do not departfrom the scope of that which is set forth in the following claims.Accordingly, the inclusion in this document of the herein-describedembodiments is not meant and should not be read to limit orconstrain—but rather only to illustrate by example—that which is setforth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a container definingan interior space oriented along a longitudinal, horizontal axis of thecontainer; said container further comprising a first face at a proximalend of the container and a second face at a distal end of the container,wherein the first and second faces are substantially parallel to oneanother and define the limits of the container and internal space,wherein the first and second faces are substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container, and wherein at leastthe first face is open to the interior space of the container; (b) atleast one lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of thecontainer, thereby closing the interior space of the container to anexterior environment.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatusis used for preparing comestibles in conventional, non-steam generatingovens.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of thecontainer is substantially flat to provide a stable platform for thecontainer while in use.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distalface of the container is closed to the external environment.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the container is comprised of a pluralityof parts.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of partscomprises a base element and a cover element.
 7. The apparatus of claim6, wherein the base element and cover element are mechanically fastenedto one another when in use.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lidcapable of engaging with the proximal face of the container furthercomprises a rib extending from the face of the lid and generallydisposed on a plane defined as perpendicular to the lid, and wherein therib includes a horizontal component and a vertical component.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 8, further comprising a flange element on an interiorsurface of the container that contacts the lid when the lid is engagedwith the container.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid capableof engaging with the proximal face of the container is coupled to thecontainer by a hinge element.
 10. An apparatus comprising; (a) acontainer defining an interior space oriented along a longitudinal,horizontal axis of the container; said container comprising a base and acover; wherein the base comprises a substantially flat planar surfacehaving a proximal end, a distal end, and two sides, and wherein thecover is substantially conical and comprises a top, a proximal end, adistal wall, and two side walls; said container further comprising afirst face at a proximal end of the container and a second face at adistal end of the container, wherein the first and second faces aresubstantially parallel to one another and define the limits of thecontainer and internal space, wherein the first and second faces aresubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal, horizontal axis of thecontainer, and wherein at least the first face is open to the interiorspace of the container; (b) at least one lid capable of engaging withthe proximal face of the container, thereby closing the interior spaceof the container to an exterior environment.
 11. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the apparatus is used for preparing comestibles inconventional, non-steam generating ovens.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the cover contacts the base on the distal end and the two sides.13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a ridge extendingvertically from the surface of the base on the distal end and two sides.14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a lip extendinghorizontally from the cover at the bottom of the distal wall and sidewalls.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lid capable ofengaging with the proximal face of the container contacts a flange on aninterior surface of the cover when engaged.
 16. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of thecontainer comprises a rib disposed substantially perpendicular to a faceof the lid, and extending both horizontally along a bottom side of thelid, and vertically from the bottom side of the lid to a top side of thelid.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lid capable of engagingwith the proximal face of the container is coupled to the container by ahinge element.